Get Ready For A Celebration Of Female Athleticism! Sharjah: Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice-Chairman of the Arab Women Sports Tournament
New Age
Islam News Bureau
03 February 2024
·
Get Ready For A Celebration Of Female
Athleticism! Sharjah: Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice-Chairman of the Arab Women Sports
Tournament
·
Women’s Growing Role In Defense Sector To Be
Highlighted At Riyadh World Defense Show
·
Kenya Muslim Women Condemn Femicide, Caution
Against Online Encounters With Strangers
·
“I Was Assaulted In Front Of My Son”: Former
Afghan Policewoman
·
UN Experts Urge IEA To End Detention Of Women
And Girls
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/female-athleticism-hanan-arab/d/131651
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Get
Ready For A Celebration Of Female Athleticism! Sharjah: Hanan Al Mahmoud,
Vice-Chairman of the Arab Women Sports Tournament
Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice-Chairman of the Arab Women Sports Tournament
Higher Steering Committee, says the event serves as a platform for women in the
Arab world to showcase their athletic abilities.
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2
February 2024
Get
ready for a celebration of female athleticism! Sharjah, a leading Emirate in
the UAE, is poised to elevate the bar for women's sports this weekend by
hosting the much-anticipated Arab Women Sports Tournament.
This
landmark event marks a significant milestone in the Emirates journey towards
promoting inclusivity and empowering women athletes.
Organised
by the Sharjah Women’s Sports, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha
JawaherBint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin
Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event is a
vibrant showcase of Arab women's athletic talent and spur UAE’s strategy
towards Olympic goals.
The
seventh staging of the Olympic-themed biennial event and 10-day tournament
features the participation of 560 female athletes, divided into 63 teams
representing 15 Arab countries.
The
tournament, scheduled from Friday to February 10, will bring together top
female athletes from across the Arab world to compete in a variety of sports.
Speaking
to Gulf Today in an exclusive interview, Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice-Chairman of the
Arab Women Sports Tournament Higher Steering Committee, said: “The much-awaited
tournament makes a return, as we had to skip the previous edition due to
COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are very excited because this year marks
an additional achievement, as in past editions it was random participation from
different clubs and any teams would join.
"Now
the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC) has elevated the
technical standards of participation by allowing only top-ranked teams to
compete. If not the first, only the second-best is permitted to take part.
“Fierce
competitions will be on the cards, and this is an excellent opportunity to set
a benchmark, both for individual performance and for national teams.
“As the
host, we are honored to field two teams: the Sharjah Women's Sports Club and a
UAE club, the national teams. These squads will serve as strategic tools to
assess our players' abilities against the region's elite.”
Besides
the high intensity of competition, the Arab Women Sports Tournament will also
be held across prominent clubs in the Middle and Eastern regions of Sharjah.
“Geographically
broadening its reach, the tournament will be conducted across the Middle and
Eastern regions of the Emirate, promoting community involvement and
highlighting sporting excellence across Sharjah,” Hanan added.
The AWST
began in 2012 to promote equal opportunities for women’s sports. The inaugural
edition of AWST had five disciplines and 47 participating clubs from 12 Arab
countries.
“The
seventh edition will see the participation of 560 female athletes divided into
63 teams representing 15 Arab countries.
“This
event has been expanding its reach and growing in stature. AWST serves as a
platform for women in the Arab world to showcase their athletic abilities and
compete in a variety of sports. The tournament has been credited with promoting
gender equality and empowering women in the region,” said Hanan.
Last
year, on August 31, Sheikha Jawaher appointed Hanan as Vice Chairperson of
Sharjah Women’s Sport.
Hanan’s
career is a testament to the power of dedication and leadership. Throughout her
journey, she has held numerous positions that have significantly impacted the
growth of sports and community development in Sharjah.
The
dynamic Emirati wear many hats. Her accomplishments encompass key strategic
roles that underscore her unwavering commitment.
From
2016 onward, for a span of four years, she held the position of board member at
the Sharjah Sports Council, leading the Investment Committee.
During
this tenure, she played a pivotal role in formulating strategies that bolstered
sports development in the region. Her exceptional capabilities were once again
evident in 2020 when she assumed the role of High Organizing Committee Member
for the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament. This followed her previous involvement
as a member and head of the Marketing and Events Committee in two preceding
editions.
With a
wealth of experience and expertise in sports management, Hanan’s illustrious
career is a testament to her impactful journey.
She has
consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various roles and
spearheaded initiatives that have significantly contributed to the advancement
of sports and community development.
Source:
gulftoday.ae
https://gulftoday.ae/sport/2024/02/02/arab-women-sports-tournament-raises-the-bar-for-athletes-in-the-region-hanan
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Women’s
Growing Role In Defense Sector To Be Highlighted At Riyadh World Defense Show
The expansion of women’s roles in the military and their integration
into the armed forces are deemed crucial steps towards achieving the goals
stated in Vision 2030. (AN photos)
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February
03, 2024
RIYADH:
As Riyadh gears up to host the second edition of the World Defense Show, the
question of women’s growing role in the sector is taking center stage.
The
event promises to congregate local and global military industry players with
Saudi Arabia’s key leadership, international delegations and prominent industry
decision-makers, and of one of its primary focus areas for discussion will be
the revolutionary shift of the role of women within the industry.
Globally,
the defense sector remains largely a male-dominated industry. Last year, it was
reported that women represented a mere 23 to 25 percent of the labor force of
the top five US defense contractors.
While
the imbalance is also present in the Middle East, a region that is
traditionally more conservative when it pertains to gender roles, recent years
have demonstrated a notable uptick in female participation.
Arab
women are increasingly breaking stereotypes by taking on roles traditionally
reserved for men in the defense sector, with many now serving as pilots,
engineers, and peacekeepers, as well as joining special force units.
The
decision to allow women into the Saudi military came as part of the Kingdom’s
Vision 2030 agenda that seeks to reform almost every aspect of life and
government, including supporting female inclusion in the workforce.
The
expansion of women’s roles in the military and their integration into the armed
forces are deemed crucial steps towards achieving the goals stated in Vision
2030.
In 2018,
the Kingdom provided women with the opportunity to apply for a number of
non-military security roles. Saudi women have also been a part of public
security since 2019, in the General Directorate of Prisons, Criminal Evidence
and Customs and the General Directorate of Narcotics.
The
Saudi military chief of staff, Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, and the director general of
the General Administration of Admission and Recruitment, Imad Al-Aidan,
launched the first military section for women in the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
in January 2021.
This
allowed women to join the military as lance corporals, corporals, sergeants,
and staff sergeants in the Royal Saudi Land Forces as well as the Royal Saudi
Air Defense force, the Royal Saudi Navy, Strategic Missile Forces and Armed
Forces Medical Services. Women could also rise through the ranks to a number of
officer positions and senior positions.
The
establishment of the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Centre in February
2022 and the subsequent graduation of hundreds of women was another crucial
step in in preparing women for military roles.
The
inaugural graduation ceremony for female recruits was in September, marking the
first time in the Kingdom’s history that women will begin service in front-line
roles.
The
efforts towards progress also saw further initiatives promoting gender equality
and diversity implemented within defense institutions.
Policies
have been introduced to ensure equal opportunities for men and women in
recruitment, training, and career progression. Arab countries have also been
investing in mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives
specifically tailored for women in the defense sector, fostering a supportive
environment for their professional growth.
During
the first World Defense Show in 2022, the International Women in Defense
Program, which took place on International Women’s Day, was deemed a
“resounding success” by its organizers.
Led by
the Kingdom’s ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, the event
addressed the challenges and celebrated achievements in the industry, though a
series of expert panels and discussions.
The
program returns for WDS 2024, with an expanded format and another impressive
roll call of influential industry leaders, with Princess Reema once again at
the helm.
The
ambassador said: “This is a moment to celebrate the contributions and
achievements of women around the world from our past and present. Women have
been serving, fighting, and contributing to the security and prosperity of
their nations for over 100 years.”
She
added: “International Women in Defense is a global campaign, creating
resilience in an ever-changing world, and helping us to navigate the challenges
we face within the sector, sharing personal experiences and celebrating the
contributions of women who continue to serve their country. In this event, we
converge to support
national,
regional and international efforts to accelerate women’s participation in the
defense
sector
on a global scale, forging alliances and sharing best practices which are
fundamental to retain the pace of change.”
These
acknowledgements of the advancements in the role of women in defense contribute
greatly to changing global perceptions about the capabilities and contributions
of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Globally,
female CEOs in the aerospace and defense industry surpasses other industries in
gender equality.
According
to global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, women CEOs represent 19
percent of the leaders in aerospace and defense, compared to just 5 percent
across all other sectors. Four of the five largest US aerospace and defense
firms — Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Boeing’s
defense, space and security division — are all headed by women.
Within
the region, there have also been notable achievements: Jana Sader became
Lebanon’s first female fixed-wing pilot; Sheikha Aisha bint Rashid Al-Khalifa
became Bahrain’s first female fighter pilot; and Saudi Arabia’s RayannahBarnawi
became the first Arab woman astronaut.
In Saudi
Arabia, this signifies a broader societal shift in attitudes towards gender
roles, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the recognition
of the valuable contributions women can make in defense and security.
By all
accounts, the strides made in the Middle East, also contribute significantly to
the global narrative of women increasingly playing pivotal roles in defense and
security.
Source:
arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2452966/business-economy
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Kenya
Muslim Women Condemn Femicide, Caution Against Online Encounters With Strangers
03
February 2024
Muslim
women in the Western region have expressed concerns about the increasing cases
of femicide in the country, cautioning women against online interactions with
strangers that may escalate into harm.
They
strongly condemn these femicide incidents, asserting that women, like any other
Kenyans, deserve respect and security.
Jemila
Salim, addressing the issue at Muslim Primary School in Bungoma on World Hijab
Day, attributes the surge in cases to social media's negative influence and
advises women to use it wisely.
She
added that Muslim women are unhappy with how women are being killed in Kenya
affirming to stand strong to protect women rights.
“The
rate at which our ladies are being murdered is alarming, we should all stand up
to protect these, please our ladies don’t be cheated on by the people you don’t
know online,” She said.
Salim
contends that adopting a modest attire, adhering to African culture, and
staying true to one's religion can contribute to addressing femicide.
Emphasizing
the significance of behavior, associations, and attire, he urges adherence to
religious values and discourages imitation of foreign cultures.
Salim
urged women to be cautious about accepting free offers online, as they may lead
to perilous consequences.
Khadija
Juma, Commissioner at Commission Revenue Allocation (CRA) and Patron of Western
Kenya Muslim Sacco, highlighted the importance of World Hijab Day in educating
the public, especially Muslims, on the significance of wearing a Hijab.
Juma
advocated for schools in Kenya to allow learners to wear Hijabs, emphasizing
that it is a form of worship and discouraging restrictions some schools impose
on this religious practice.
The CRA
commissioner stated that in 2022, a Bill was presented in Parliament that was
passed as a nod to the Muslim learners in various schools to wear Hijabs.
“Some
school managers are chasing learners who put on Hijabs while in school. I want
to tell them that it is in the law and should be allowed in class like any
other learner,” the commissioner said, adding that the problem is mostly found
in Western region.
On
Femicide cases, Juma asked parents to give proper guidance to the girls.
Rahma
Issa, Social advocate, maternal and newborn health financing Enthusiast, told
the Star that the government should set up safe houses where the gender based
violence (GBV) survivors can be protected and get counseling services, adding
that the center should also offer health services in case it is needed.
Further,
Issa urged those in the judicial systems to ensure that the perpetrators are
brought to book saying that they are tired seeing the cases taking too long
before they are served.
“Our
people are being killed and we should not take it lightly,” she said, accusing
county governments of taking too long to pass the existing policies," she
stated.
Source:
the-star.co.ke
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-02-03-muslim-women-condemn-femicide-caution-against-online-encounters-with-strangers/
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“I Was
Assaulted In Front Of My Son”: Former Afghan Policewoman
Fidel
Rahmati
February
3, 2024
A former
Afghan policewoman has revealed that Taliban militants entered her home after
the fall of Kabul and sexually assaulted her in front of her son.
This
former police officer, who had worked for four years in the women’s security sector
of the former government’s Ministry of Interior, described her harrowing
experience on the day of Kabul’s fall.
She
mentioned that at 10 a.m. on the 15th of August 2021, her commander at the
ministry informed her and her colleagues that the Taliban had entered Kabul and
that they needed to escape.
In an
interview with Afghanistan International, she said, “We removed our military
uniforms, left our weapons behind, and rushed out, but gunfire had already
begun. The situation was dire, like doomsday. I managed to get my family to
safety.”
This
former Afghan policewoman revealed that she comes from an educated family,
where her father and brothers were also in the military. She shared images of
her father with NATO soldiers, who had been killed ten years ago. She mentioned
that her father had served in the 207th Corps and was a member of the Special
Forces (Commandos).
When she
learned that NATO was assisting her Afghan colleagues in evacuating
Afghanistan, she and her entire family went to Kabul’s airport. She described
the overcrowded scene at the airport on the 4th of September 2021 when suicide
bombings occurred, plunging her into darkness.
After
the explosion, she lost contact with her family members, and to this day, aside
from her mother, she has not found her two sisters and two brothers.
The
Terrifying Taliban Assault
The
horrifying situation after the attack at Kabul airport compelled her to return
home. She stated, “It was 9 in the morning. We were having breakfast. The
Taliban entered our house. They accused me of being a military officer, a
prostitute, a sinner, of being involved with generals or soldiers, of having
relations with foreigners, and insisted that I should come willingly and marry
them.”
While
tearfully recalling the events, she added, “When I refused and my son said,
‘This is my mother,’ five of them raped me in front of my son. They covered my
son with a blanket, blindfolded him, and took him away. They said I had to
marry them.”
She
mentioned that the Taliban gave her until evening to prepare herself. According
to this former policewoman, the Taliban assigned two fighters to stay behind
the gate of her house to ensure she wouldn’t escape.
Escape
from the Taliban’s Clutches
This
former policewoman, who had worked in the Ministry of Interior, had a teenage
daughter. Fearing for her daughter’s safety, they both escaped by jumping out
of a window at the back of their house when the Taliban left. They managed to
flee the danger. Now safe outside of Afghanistan, she expressed her anguish, “It’s
been about two and a half years since I last heard from my son. I don’t know
where he is or what he’s doing. I cry day and night, and it’s taking a toll on
my sanity. I was able to save myself and my teenage daughter and escape.”
Currently
employed as a cleaner at a health centre, she bravely shared images of the
physical abuse inflicted by the Taliban on her body and arms with Afghanistan
International reporters. She has sought help from the United Nations Refugee
Agency, alerting them to the danger faced by her and other Afghans and urging
them to find a haven for them. She emphasized the need for assistance from
international organizations and countries offering asylum, questioning their
response to her past suffering and the current threats she faces.
Source:
khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/i-was-assaulted-in-front-of-my-son-former-afghan-policewoman/
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UN
experts urge IEA to end detention of women and girls
February 3, 2024
UN
experts on Friday expressed concern at numerous reports that scores of women
and girls in Afghanistan have been arbitrarily detained and subjected to
ill-treatment since early January for allegedly violating the dress code.
“We urge
the Taliban (the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) to cease all arbitrary
deprivation of liberty targeting women and girls based on the strict dress code
they have imposed, and immediately release any women and girls who may still be
detained,” the UN experts said.
They
called on the authorities to comply with Afghanistan’s international human rights
obligations, including under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, and work towards upholding the principles of
human rights, non-discrimination and the rule of law.
They
noted that the release of women and girls was dependent on male family members
and community elders providing assurances, often in writing, that they would
comply with the prescribed dress code in the future.
“In
addition to punishing women for what they wear, assigning responsibility for what
women wear to men violates women’s agency and perpetuates an institutionalised
system of discrimination, control of women and girls, and further diminishes
their place in society,” the experts said.
They
noted that while some women and girls were released after a few hours, others
had been detained for days or weeks and, due to a lack of transparency and
access to justice, it is not known how many are still detained, perhaps
incommunicado.
“This
current wave of deprivation of liberty further restricts the already severely
limited freedoms of expression and movement of women and girls, and violates
their human rights and agency,” the experts said.
The
experts found that the situation of women and girls has deteriorated immensely
since the IEA took power in August 2021, with increasing restrictions on
education, employment, expression, association, privacy, movement, agency, and
participation in public life. “Those responsible for imposing this widespread
and systematic discrimination should be held accountable for their actions,”
they said.
IEA has
previously said that arrests take place based on laws. It has also rejected
ill-treatment of women and girls.
Source:
ariananews.af
https://www.ariananews.af/un-experts-urge-iea-to-end-detention-of-women-and-girls/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/female-athleticism-hanan-arab/d/131651